STF Conference Report: The ACC 2/1/2008

Its getting to be that time of year again. Punxatawny Phil is going to try and pimp his shadow. Actors start sucking up for Oscars. And, Duke and UNC start pulling away from the rest of the ACC en route to the first of 2 death-matches every year. Its not that the rest of the ACC is bad -- in fact, Maryland, Wake Forest, Clemson and Miami have all had their spurts-- but as it usually is (last year being a glaring exception) the two teams in blue distance themselves like Lance Armstrong in the mountain stages. So, here's what's happening on Tobacco Road:

Team of the Week: Duke
Having not trailed all year at the half, Duke first back from their first 2 haltime defecits this past week in thwarting upset bids by the very capable Terps and the very red? Wolfpack. For a team that lacked any resolve last year, this team has become the living incarnation of it. Greg Paulus might be the most clutch shooter in the conference. Demarcus Nelson and Gerald Henderson are wreaking havoc on offense and defense and Kyle Singler has become the Phillip Seymour Hoffman of the league, capable of quirky, nuianced supporting performances but also scene stealing, dynamic lead roles when the lights are on him. Could be a "Beowulf"-esque battle in Chapel Hill this coming Thursday.

Worst of the Week: Boston College
A week ago, they were talked about as the clear cut #3 team in the conference and a step above the cluster**** of teams right below. So, what happens? They lose in OT, at home, to Virginia Tech. Then, they go in to the Dean Dome and get steamrolled (courtesy of a 21-0 run between the end of the first half and start of the second) by the Heels. They are plagued by foul trouble, offensive inconsistency and an inability to handle full court pressure. Yep, they sound just like everyone else they recently joined in that steaming pile right below Duke and Carolina.

Player of the Week: Jeff Teague, WF
Hardly referenced as one of the better freshmen in the league coming into the season, Jeff Teague has proved an invaluable part of the Wake resurgence. Starting for the injured L.D. Williams on Monday, Teague goes for a career-high 27 as the Deacs eek out a 2 point win against The U. An excellent long range bomber and second in the ACC in steals, Teague proves case-in-point that you don't have to wear McDonald's on your jersey before you head to school to be a potent force and major contributor to your team. Between him and (my current pick for ACC ROY) James Johnson, coupled with the recruiting juggernaut coming in next year, Lil' Dino's gonna have to coach his butt off to find space for all these great, inspiring youngsters.

To Watch This Week:


DUKE @ CAROLINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (One game to rule them all... until the first week of March).